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Measurement of Neurophysiological Signals of Ignoring and Attending Processes in Attention Control
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Self-reported mind wandering reflects executive control and selective attention.

Guy E Hawkins1, Matthias Mittner2, Birte U Forstmann3

  • 1School of Psychological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia. guy.e.hawkins@gmail.com.

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Summary

Mind wandering impairs executive control, reducing the ability to inhibit habitual responses and attend to important task cues. This cognitive model explains both mind wandering and performance decrements.

Keywords:
Cognitive modelDecision-makingExecutive controlMind wanderingSelective attentionSelf-reportSustained attention

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Mind wandering is common and affects task performance.
  • Existing theories struggle to differentiate underlying psychological processes.
  • Need for a model explaining both mind wandering and performance deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose and test a cognitive model explaining mind wandering and task performance.
  • To quantitatively compare six theories of performance decrements during mind wandering.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a cognitive-model based analysis.
  • Conducted two experiments using the sustained attention to response task (SART).
  • Analyzed self-reported mind wandering and task performance data.

Main Results:

  • Identified two latent factors associated with mind wandering.
  • Found quantitative evidence that mind wandering impairs executive control.
  • Demonstrated reduced inhibition of habitual responses with increased mind wandering.

Conclusions:

  • Executive control deficits are a primary consequence of mind wandering.
  • These deficits manifest as impaired response inhibition and reduced attention to critical stimuli.
  • The cognitive model effectively explains the relationship between mind wandering and performance.